Little King river birch
Betula nigra 'Little King'
GCA Plant of the Year 2005
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size8 to 10 feet tall9 to 12 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Multi-trunked
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Brown (male) and green (female)
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Little King' river birch (Betula nigra 'Little King') is a tree for specimen planting, winter interest, rain gardens, and woodland settings. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet soil of most types. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. It grows fast and forms multiple trunks. Butterflies and birds visit it.
Pairs well with Switchgrass, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and Witch hazel.